Barbara Mabel (Pike) Prinn, 90, of Concord, NH, passed away peacefully on Friday October 9, 2020, at Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord, NH. She was born on July 25,1930 in Melrose MA, the daughter of Otto Pike and Mabel Mitchell Pike.
Barbara was a graduate of Melrose High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Middlebury College where she met and married Ronald Prinn. They shared 55 loving years together, until his death in 2006.
Barbara was a woman of strong faith and high intellect, and was always quick with a song and a kind word. She maintained a positive attitude and unwavering optimism, even through decades of extreme back pain. She loved to read, sing, swim, and meet new people.
Barbara would talk or sing to anyone, pope or pauper, with the same fearless cheerfulness. In the 1960s, she and Ron were active in the Civil Rights movement, and were present at the 1963 March on Washington when Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Barb’s faith in God made all things possible, and she was a willing partner in Ron's ministry in the Episcopal Church. Over the years, they lived in Martha’s Vineyard, Amesbury MA, Lyndonville VT, Charlestown NH, Claremont NH, Salem NH, and Concord NH.
Barbara was a champion for children, and touched the lives of many throughout her life. She and Ron built a family through adoption and foster parenting, and at age 40, they were blessed by the birth of a son.
When she was not managing a large household, Barbara worked at several different jobs, including teaching Elementary School English. When most of the children had grown, she began her career as social worker for the State of New Hampshire, in the Division of Youth and Family Services.
After retiring from social work, Barb remained an active force for good in the world by visiting people and spreading her positive spirit. Barb also provided transportation to others who needed it when she could.
Barbara is survived by her brother Richard; her children, Stephen and his wife Jan, Andrew and his wife Carla, Margaret and her husband Roger, Douglas and his wife Kirsten, Lorrie and her husband Dwight, Pamela and her husband Bill, Paula, Phillip, Paul ‘Bob” and his wife Linda, and son in law David Joki; grandchildren, Heather, Scott, Ali, Shannon, Vanessa, Brent, Trina, Carrie Ann, Jack and Kacie; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, all much loved.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Ron; three beloved daughters, Carol (Pray) Jones, Sally (Prinn) Skerry, Paulette “Betsy” (Colbath) Joki, and grandson D.C. Webber.
She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched. Barbara was the epitome of love.
A celebration of her life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Eastman St, Concord, NH 03301 when it is safe to gather again. A private interment will take place in Lyndon Center Cemetery in Lyndon, VT. Condolences may be sent directly to family members or to Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Christian Children’s Fund, Smile Train, or any charity organization that helps the children of the world.
Bennett Funeral Home of Concord NH has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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